Father Griffith: Cultural Reckoning Provides Opportunity for Accountability and Healing

Dear Friends in Christ,

Like you, I have witnessed the cultural reckoning that has occurred over the past several months regarding allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse regarding several public figures in television, politics, and in the arts industry. To be sure, the Catholic Church in the United States and throughout the world has experienced its own reckoning related to the abuse of minors, the failure to protect children, and cases of sexual misconduct on the part of clergy. In all instances and with all individuals and institutions, credibility is further lost when people attempt to cover up these acts and/or avoid accountability. The path from pain to healing and from sin to forgiveness must involve shedding light on those dark places and behaviors that have caused so much harm. God always invites his children to move from darkness to light.

Because of the significance of this cultural moment, I wanted to address this important issue through the prism of our Catholic faith. Below, I will also announce an important new initiative into which our community of faith has been invited to participate. Regarding the rolling tide of allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct that has recently roiled our society, I commend those individuals who have had the courage to come forward to share their stories. There is little doubt that this must have been extremely difficult but their fortitude has provided the opportunity for accountability and a path to healing.

Secondly, there is a consistent dynamic that is involved in the various allegations and instances of misconduct. These instances almost always involve men in power who use their power to take advantage and harm those over whom they have authority. Women who experience this behavior often feel trapped, fearful, and in some cases ashamed. The power dynamic in some cases has enabled the abusive behavior to go unchecked for years. The abuse and misconduct that have occurred in the Church has involved similar dynamics and has also been fueled by a pervasive clericalism that still afflicts the Church. What is heartening about the present moment in our culture is that many people, including many women, are standing up and saying with a resolute voice: enough! As I was reflecting on the rolling tide of allegations and the attendant accountability they have wrought, I thought to myself (naively), I didn’t know this behavior was so pervasive in our society. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit this and I am certain if you asked women if they are surprised by the pervasiveness of this misconduct on the part of men, you would receive a resounding no.  

Notwithstanding the grave instances of abuse and misconduct that have occurred within the Church, Catholic teaching can provide wisdom that helps shed light on the present situation. First, Church teaching affirms the inviolable dignity and equality of women, of children and all people made in the image and likeness of God. Second, the Church, including our modern popes, have decried the objectification of women in our society – a sin that is no doubt amplified by the scourge of pornography. Third, the God who loves us is always calling us from sin to conversion and from darkness to light. Fourth, the Church’s conception of justice is particularly helpful as it speaks of justice as right relationship with God and with our neighbor. As a person of faith, I am hopeful that the cultural reckoning we are witnessing will lead to more accountability for those in power, greater respect for the dignity and equality of women, and healing and restoration for those who have experienced harassment, abuse, and misconduct.

Lastly, I want express to all of our parishioners, friends and visitors that Lourdes is a safe place for anyone who has experienced the pain of abuse or misconduct. You are welcome to share your story with me, Deacon Winninger or any staff member with whom you feel most comfortable. You are welcome here and I believe you will find that our community is a source of support and healing. To that end, I would like take this opportunity to announce that Our Lady of Lourdes has been invited to participate in a parish pilot program called: Restoring our Sacred Trust – From Wound to Gift. This effort, which three parishes in the Archdiocese are undertaking, has as its goal restorative justice and healing related to abuse in the Church and within society. Parishioners and I will gather with experts in restorative justice and survivors of clergy sexual abuse on November 30 ^th to begin a conversation of what this effort toward wholeness and healing might look like here at Our Lady of Lourdes. Please keep this important ministry in your prayers and I will update you in the coming weeks as our efforts to be an instrument of healing take shape.
 
Peace,
Fr. Griffith